How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a number of significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Prior to your appointment you will receive questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will ensure that your appointment is run smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble concentrating, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way that the brain functions. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that might be causing your problems and should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you undergo an ADHD assessment. They will also ask you how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms interfere with your daily functioning as well as requesting input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able to quickly determine if you're eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not sure, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that can coexist with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers can provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the waiting times of each service before deciding on one. You can consult your GP about this, or you can contact them directly to inquire what their current wait time is for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, be sure they provide this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP about the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and you suspect it, you could inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert.
You can be assessed by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for those suffering from ADHD is getting a diagnosis. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of awareness by health professionals. Additionally, those who belong to certain groups, like those who are of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
There is no test to prove ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the root cause is ADHD. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships, as well as with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can decide to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They can include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's specific requirements and situation. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial support can address any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD could benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which can often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists, and also by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the person is a candidate for ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. The most popular treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available as pills or injections and may be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat side effects such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is an extremely long time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they should inquire why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete screening tests to determine if your eligible to be seen. Once your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting for an appointment, you might want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will allow your GP to understand the importance and urgency of the test, and ensure that they will act upon your request. Here you can download an example of a letter from ADHD UK.
After you've been recommended to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they'll look at your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other conditions that could be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video call.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS when your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However, this will only be possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you don't want to wait around for an GP to refer you, or even if you don't have a GP.
You can also get help from your local mental health trust. adhd assessment near me can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that don't offer the service) or by contacting them.